Politicians Are Behind The Killings Not Herdsmen – Presidency

The Presidency on Sunday said it was in possession of evidence to prove that some politicians are behind the killings allegedly being carried out by herdsmen in parts of the country.

It said the unnamed politicians were using criminals to perpetuate the killings.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

Shehu, however, said climate change, especially the drying up of the Chad Basin, has also been compounding the problem.

He said the climate change, which he described as an issue of global significance, had led to more pressure on the population in the Northern parts of the country.

The presidential spokesman, however, assured stakeholders that the government was determined to continue working hard towards a long-term solution to the problem, which he described as ‘historical.’

Shehu also appealed to Nigerians and members of the international community to desist from spreading false information and inflammatory statements concerning the issue.

He said the Federal Government was working with state governments, security agencies and international partners to resolve the problem.

The statement read, “The Presidency is appealing to all its citizens as well as members of the international community to refrain from spreading false stories and inflammatory statements concerning the recent herder-farmer clashes.

“The Nigerian government is working closely with state governments and security services — as well as international partners — in order to resolve this ongoing issue.

“The clashes between herders and farmers are historical. The causes of these confrontations are varied and complex.

“Climate change, specifically the drying up of the Chad Basin, has led to more pressure on the population in the North of Nigeria, which further compounded the problem.

“As President Buhari indicated lately, there is evidence of involvement of some politicians using criminals to perpetuate the killings.

“Climate change is an issue of global significance and the Nigerian government is determined to continue working closely with its neighbours in order to ensure that a long-term solution can be implemented.

“The Federal Government makes no distinction amongst the population and works tirelessly to protect all Nigerian people.

“We are strongest as a nation when we are united and it is through unity that we will overcome this challenge.”

Buhari had on Friday promised to wield the big stick against some unnamed politicians who he alleged were behind the violence rocking parts of the country.

The President, had at the closing event of the 2018 Army Day celebrations held in Borno State, said such politicians would be fished out and dealt with accordingly.

He claimed the disgruntled politicians who have lost out were sponsoring violence in order to get relevance.

He said a solution was being found to the deadly clashes and whosoever was found culpable would be brought to justice.

Buhari had said, “This does not mean there are no challenges. There are pockets of violence in several states.

“Some deliberately instigated by disgruntled politicians who have lost all arguments and are desperate to cause mayhem as a way of seeking relevance.

“We shall fish them out and punish according to the provisions of the law.”